DEFENDERS OF JUSTICE ORDAINED AND COMMISSIONED
Atlanta Temple Corps echoed with offerings of praise as the Southern Territory’s music forces welcomed the Holy Spirit’s presence through selected songs of sacrificial worship on Sunday, June 2. Cadets, their families, Salvation Army officers, and all other attendees were invited to enter into a special time of worship, a time set aside to witness and celebrate the ordination and commissioning of the Defenders of Justice session of cadets.
Following musical selections such as “My All is on the Altar” and “All for Thee” presented by the Southern Staff Band (SSB) and “To Thy Cross I Come, Lord” and “Thou Art Holy” from the
Southern Staff Songsters (SSS), Colonel Deborah Sedlar, chief secretary, asked all those present to remain in an attitude of prayer and solemnity for the first portion of the morning’s service.
The cadets of the Defenders of Justice then entered the chapel. Ushered in by a beautiful offering of William Himes’ “I Bring Thee All,” the cadets symbolically presented their lives as a living sacrifice to God.
Major Anthony Juliana, president and principal of the Evangeline Booth College (EBC), presented the cadets to all those present, asserting, “they will faithfully sustain and advance the purpose of God’s Salvation Army in the South -
ern Territory and give their all for Jesus as they walk like Him to love, serve, and disciple those with whom they come into contact.”
“They’ve sought the face of God. They have indeed determined that they would be defenders of God’s justice in today’s world of injustice.”
Together with the Territorial Arts Ministry (TAM) team, Cadets Michelle Cook and Michael Gutierrez visually presented testimonies of their ministry experiences. “Sometimes we get to see the results of justice and deliverance in the lives of people, and sometimes all we can do is continue to pray and hope for a brighter future
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Kids ‘Start the Party’ at Youth Conference
BY KRISTIN MUDGE
Commissioning 2024 was not only a time of great fellowship and discipleship for the soldiers and officers of the Southern Territory, but for the children and junior soldiers as well.
This year’s Youth Conference’s theme was “Start the Party.” Based on the Vacation Bible School (VBS) material from The Salvation Ar-
my’s Sunday school curriculum partner, Orange, around 100 children ages 5-12 learned to Walk Like Jesus by celebrating the good news of Jesus with those around them.
“We wanted something that would translate to the corps level,” Melissa Powell, territorial children’s ministries coordinator, shares about
this year’s chosen theme, “so that the resources that we had, the decorations we had, we could easily share those, maybe inspire some creativity in the field as well.”
Along with the territorial youth department, around eight officer couples helped lead
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Photo courtesy of Commissioning Communications Team
Photo Credit: G-Lab
Fulfillment.com Honored for Generous Gift
BY DONALD FELICE
In a heartwarming ceremony at the Savannah (Georgia) Corps, The Salvation Army presented Fulfillment.com with a certificate of appreciation from Commissioner Kelly Igleheart, territorial commander, for their remarkable donation of nearly 30,000 “Privacy Pop” tents. This generous gift will provide privacy and comfort to individuals and families in need, significantly impacting communities across The Salvation Army’s USA Southern Territory. During the presentation, Savannah Corps Officer Major Jason Smith underscored the importance of the donation.
“We are here today to thank Fulfillment. com,” said Major Smith. “These tents will be utilized in many ways, including during times of disaster, such as hurricanes, and other natural or man-made calamities, providing a safe and secure place for people to sleep, giving them a sense of privacy and dignity.”
Lanita Lloyd, emergency disaster services director for the Georgia Division, echoed this sentiment. “We appreciate your confidence in The Salvation Army with this generous gift so we could distribute them to those who may put them to good use.”
Fulfillment.com is a preeminent provider of fulfillment services to worldwide, high-volume, multichannel internet retailers. They have eight strategically placed distribution facilities globally, with one located in Savannah. Bob Billborough, chief operating officer of Fulfillment.com, accepted the certificate of appreciation and shared a story of personal connection with The Salvation Army.
“In 1945, my father was well served by The Salvation Army during World War II,” Billborough said. “When we ended up with the tents from a client going out of business, there was no doubt they would go to The Salvation Army. We are 100 percent confident that they will be used for the goodness of God and His people.”
Billborough elaborated on the coordination behind the donation, explaining that the client in question left them with eight trailer trucks full of tents as well as the decision of where they would do the most good. The company’s owners, along with Mr. Billborough, unanimously decided that The Salvation Army could best distribute the tents to people in need.
“The retail value of these tents is over $4 million,” said Billborough. “I know The Salvation Army will get every dollar’s worth of value serv -
ing people in need.”
“These tents will be shared with Salvation Army units across the Southeastern United States and will make a huge impact in all the communities we serve,” Major Smith commented. “Here in Savannah, these tents will be distributed to the kids in our Savannah summer day camp program. Additionally, The Salvation Army in Savannah serves over 2,000 children during Christmas through our Angel Tree program. This year, we will ensure that every child will get a tent, providing them with the privacy they need as they sleep in various situations within our community.”
The partnership between Fulfillment.com and The Salvation Army is a testament to the power of community and compassion. Fulfillment.com’s generous gift will have a positive ripple effect, providing a sense of normalcy and privacy to many living in adverse situations, one “Privacy Pop” tent at a time.
Icing on the Donut
BY MAJOR FRANK DURACHER
In addition to educating the public about National Donut Day and the incredible story behind that part of The Salvation Army’s rich history, this year’s celebration in Davidson County, North Carolina, had an even more special purpose, according to the mayor of Lexington, Jason Hayes.
“The Salvation Army consistently meets an incredible need to feed others throughout the year,”
Mayor Hayes says, further citing the Army’s plans for an upcoming 2,000 square-foot expansion of the kitchen and dining room to augment the corps’ mission and ministry. The project includes a walk-in refrigerator and freezer, enabling Salvation Army volunteers to double the capacity for daily feeding.
will continue to be key elements in the expanded ministry.
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“Of course, it’s important for the public to know about the Army’s history with the donuts going back to World War I, but also about the Army’s presence in Davidson County through ministries all year.” Anything above that, including the planned expansion and inter-agency operation, he says, “is icing on the donut!”
The expansion is a key component of a three-agency master plan for Davidson County, with DC First Hope building a shelter next door to the corps, and DC Connect serving as a clearinghouse.
“For the Army’s part, we will be entirely responsible for three hot meals a day, seven days a week,” explains Major Ray Morton, corps officer.
For this National Donut Day celebration, managers and employees of the Food Lion area stores served a breakfast of donuts and fruit. Volunteers were also busy sorting and restocking the corps food pantry.
“Feeding the community is all we do,” says Food Lion Assistant Manager Jon Martin, “whether it’s in retail or through regular donations to The Salvation Army for their daily soup kitchen.” Meats, vegetables, and other staples
John Frank has been an advisory board member for nine years. He knows the populus very well and is convinced that this “is exactly what our community needs!”
The Chamber of Commerce President, Joe Wallace, agrees, adding that this annual event “is the biggest thing to draw people to The Salvation Army and for the Army to get their message out about its history as well as the upcoming ministry expansion.”
For those not wanting a full breakfast, Seth Ryals, Red Donuts manager, brought his trailer out to serve his piping hot confections in the corps parking lot.
Other advisory board members, community leaders, and volunteers were also on hand for the drop-in event. One of them was Janise Hurley, a board member who did not seem surprised at the Army’s commitment to keep up with the county’s growing need—whether it is as simple as a donut and cup of coffee, or thrice-daily hot meals for families and individuals in need.
“I’ve lived all over the U.S., and wherever we lived we’ve volunteered for The Salvation Army, Doing The Most Good, regardless of economic status—and to show the love of Christ,” she says.
“After all, that is what we’re all about!”
Photo Credits: Donald Felice
Managers from Food Lion stores in Davidson County volunteer to serve breakfast and hot lunches to attendees of the National Donut Day celebration.
DISCIPLE
Holy Living
BY KRISTIN MUDGE
Major Anita Caldwell served as the director of curriculum for the Evangeline Booth College for the past several years, her final appointment as a Salvation Army officer before her and her husband’s retirement in June 2024.
Growing up, Major Anita’s father, a Free Methodist pastor, would often preach on holiness. The idea of a “holiness tradition” is Wesleyan, brought to importance by John Wesley who is known as the father of the Methodist Church. Their movement was founded on the belief that with the Holy Spirit’s indwelling, a Christian is granted the freedom to live their life wholly sanctified and without sin. The Salvation Army grew out of the Methodist movement, developing from that same tradition of holiness.
Major Anita went on to attend a Christian high school and then Kentucky Mountain Bible College, and in both schools much emphasis was placed on holy living. “I think as you get older, you get passionate about what you’ve learned as a child. And there was just no doubt.”
During their time of ministry, Major Anita and her husband Brad served overseas for 13 years, mainly in the Eastern Europe Territory, working in Romania, Moldova, Ukraine, the Republic of Georgia, and Russia, and finally International Headquarters in London, before returning to the United States. While in Russia, Majors Caldwell oversaw education for the territory, organizing local officer training and continuing education opportunities as well as teaching cadets.
Major Anita found that “holiness” was a different concept to the people of eastern Europe than in the U.S. Specifically in Russian culture, normal, everyday people could never be considered “holy.” That concept was reserved for the Saints and Icons blessed by the Orthodox Church.
The Caldwells saw within the people they led and served a desire for the Holy Spirit to become real, not just part of some unattainable sainthood. And this, in turn, inspired Major Anita to follow what God was prompting her towards all along: “This is what my calling is—to write about holy living.”
Major Anita has now written three books on holiness: “Holiness Alive,” “Holiness and the Hymns,” and “Sarah the Cat… and Jesus.”
“We tend to think that holiness is a dos and don’ts list. It is not a do’s and don’ts list at all. I think when we’re fully surrendered to Jesus, it is a joyful journey. I want people to be excited about holy living.”
“Holiness Alive” was a four-year journey collecting and coalescing many years of articles written for The Salvation Army in various capacities. Her first book includes topics such as dancing in the joy of holiness, how there is freedom in surrendering, and even a full Bible study on holiness which she found to be a successful ministry tool with her Home League group in Moscow, Russia.
For her second book, “Holiness and the Hymns,” Major Anita pulled about 100 hymns from The Salvation Army Songbook. She took prayerful time reflecting on each, and God gave her stories and thoughts to share about them.
Her book “Sarah the Cat… and Jesus” came when she recognized a need to teach children early on about listening for the voice of Jesus and the promptings of the Holy Spirit. She feels that if they learn this at an early age, they will carry that forward in their lives. “Young people are hungry to know more. And if we would just take the time to invest in them, they will.”
Throughout her writing, Major Anita works to break a few myths of holiness:
Holiness is a list of dos and don’ts.
“From my point of view, holiness, once you really surrender to Jesus, you just love doing what Jesus wants you to do.”
Holiness is only for the saints.
“No! The Holy Spirit is so excited to engage in our life, but he also won’t barge into our life.” We must be willing to invite him and be open to hearing his voice.
It is impossible to be like Christ.
When you spend a lot of time with someone, they start to rub off on you. “And if you walk along with God, you’re going to love what He loves. That’s good. It just wears off. It just becomes part of your life.”
Holiness is perfection - once achieved, you will never sin again.
“We’re still human beings. We’re still going to make mistakes. We can and probably will sin in our life, but we don’t have to.”
“When we’re talking about holy living, Scripture is full of it,” Major Anita advises. “Open the Word of God and begin the journey of what He has to say.”
“Be bold. Believe that the Holy Spirit is able to work in us a Christlike life and walk that mirrors Jesus in our day-to-day life.” When we invite the Holy Spirit to dwell within us, we are granted freedom to live without sin. And even when we fail, the Spirit is there to guide us back into right relationship with God.
LOVE – SERVE – DISCIPLE MONTHLY PODCAST
Holiness can sometimes be a complicated topic to understand. Major Anita Caldwell has discovered a passion and calling to write and teach people what God has to say about holiness. She joins Majors Matt and Jamie Satterlee for this month’s episode of the LOVE – SERVE – DISCIPLE podcast to discuss some of the myths surrounding the idea of holiness and how important it is to teach biblical truths from an early age.
To listen, visit linktr.ee/loveservedisciple Find additional resources and more about each month’s guests at allforjesus.salvationarmysouth.org
Majors Anita and Brad Caldwell with the children of the Ponichella Corps in the Republic of Georgia.
Major Anita Caldwell follows her calling to write and teach about holiness and holy living.
Commissioning Weekend Encourages All to ‘Walk Like Jesus’
BY KRISTIN MUDGE AND BRAD ROWLAND
TO DISCIPLE AND BE A DISCIPLE
Following the Commencement celebration on Friday, May 31, Commissioning 2024 kicked into full gear with an opening evening session at Atlanta Temple Corps. The atmosphere was festive as friends and loved ones were reunited, embracing to the accompaniment of upbeat marches presented by the Southern Staff Band (SSB) and songs of worship from the Southern Staff Songsters (SSS).
The first and second-year cadets from the Evangeline Booth College (EBC) joined with the territorial music and creative arts groups for a “wild west” themed opening number that expertly showcased discipleship and calling in action in the early days of The Salvation Army in the United States.
Lt. Colonel Mark Israel, program secretary, welcomed everyone saying, “We have been anticipating these days together and we look forward to learning what it means to walk like Jesus.” He then introduced the focus on the Territorial Priorities – Love, Serve, and Disciple – as well as the theme verse, 1 Peter 2:21: “This is the kind of life you’ve been invited into, the kind of life Christ lived. He suffered everything that came his way so you would know that it could be done, and also know how to do it, step-by-step” (MSG).
Focusing on “Love,” the Territorial Arts Ministry (TAM) team was joined by four children to present a heartwarming piece based on the “love passage” from 1 Corinthians 13. Moving on to “Serve,” those present prayed over the 15 young adults about to travel overseas through Salvationist Service Corps in the Norway, Iceland, and Faroe Islands Territory and in the Singapore, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Thailand Territory. Concentrating on
Photos by Commissioning Communications Team: Laura Dake, Alli Hogue, Kaitlyn Avery, Ed Escobar, Noah Dake
“Disciple,” attendees were invited to pray over discipleship, leadership development, and holiness in the Southern Territory.
Commissioners Kelly and Donna Igleheart, territorial leaders, then spoke about the history and purpose behind the Territorial Priorities, presenting a challenge for the Salvationists of the Southern Territory to disciple and to be disciples. Commissioner Donna emphasized, “A disciple is someone who is growing in their faith and skills to become better equipped to disciple ourselves and others.”
Preaching on Ezekiel 37, Commissioner Kelly entreated, “I want you as a Salvation Army,
as Salvationists, to band all of us, to pray one prayer: that somehow from the four winds, that the breath of God would breathe into me and to you… That’s how an Army of God rises up.” He invited delegates to make the territorial mission statement personal, praying for the Holy Spirit to breathe life into our lives and into our Salvation Army.
The session was followed by a Territorial Priorities party, families enjoying food, games, and music, celebrating the territory’s goals of loving, serving, and discipling through fun and fellowship.
SPENDING TIME WITH JESUS
Saturday morning began with delegates taking a walk with Jesus, invited to stroll on the Greenway behind the Atlanta Temple Corps while listening to a special auditory experience created by Soundcast in partnership with “The Chosen.” Participants enjoyed a beautiful spring morning walk while the voice of Jesus spoke wisdom and truth in their ears.
The Saturday morning session focused on different types of prayer: adoration, supplication, and thanksgiving. Major Lynda Thornhill, mission, evangelism, and cultural ministries secretary, introduced the focus declaring, “Thanks be to God, faith is not about feeling. Faith is trusting that God hears our prayers, even when we doubt that they’re being heard.” Delegates were invited to pray at the altar at any point during the service or to scan a QR code to interact with a prayer texting team. “Let’s pray powerful prayers knowing that God is faithful and He is near to those who call on Him.”
The meeting kicked off with songs of worship from transMission and the SSS, as well as a powerful presentation of everyday examples of prayer by TAM. Major Ray Cooper, mission, evangelism, and cultural ministries officer, then announced the amounts raised by each division for their partners in World Services with a territorial total of $12,531,202 given for overseas ministry.
“Commissioning...” continued on page 6
Atlanta International Corps Officer Captain Ashish Pawar brought the morning’s message, encouraging delegates to tune into the presence of God. “When you tune into the heart of God, things start clearing up. Anxieties disappear, fear goes away. Addiction is gone… And when you tune into Him and your posture is one of surrender, you understand His will. You understand His presence. You understand His power. What an amazing thing that we have. This gift, the privilege to connect with God in prayer.”
In response to his message, the altar filled with individuals and small groups entering into a posture of prayer and fine tuning into the presence of the Holy Spirit.
The morning session was followed by a Family Feast, the many hundreds in attendance enjoying a meal and time together in fellowship. After lunch attendees were split up into small groups to experience “Life Groups,” a Wesleyan model of discipleship that can be practiced in every corps and community.
LET ME TELL YOU MY STORY
Saturday’s full slate of activities was rounded out with an evening general session focused on holiness. Powerful stories shone through during the service, headlined by the presence of four contributors to world-renowned television program “The Chosen,” with a continued emphasis on the weekend’s theme of “Walking Like Jesus.”
The SSS and SSB helped to lay the groundwork with stirring preliminary music, and Nick Simmons-Smith, territorial music and creative arts secretary, opened the session with a medley rendition of the familiar chorus “Walking in the Light” that featured a contemporary spin.
Majors Bobby and Anne Westmoreland, assistant territorial secretary for personnel and territorial ministries to women secretary, then welcomed the congregation, including references to Commissioner Samuel Logan Brengle, The Salvation Army’s international ambassador of holiness. “God has called each one of us to walk on a path that He has set for us, and to walk in a way that is good and pleasing to the Lord,” Major Bobby said. “To walk in the light, to walk together, to walk in holiness, to walk like Jesus.”
“And we know that when you walk like Jesus, there will be adventure, and stories, and mysteries, and miracles to share,” Major Anne added.
Stories, and the power of storytelling, came to light during the body of the program, including interstitials from TAM and transMission. With the musical help of Commissioner Willis Howell on banjo and Nick Simmons-Smith on upright bass, the groups presented “Let Me Tell You My Story” in reference to Major Daisy Cecil Brown, the pioneer of the Mountain Mission in North Carolina’s Great Smoky Mountains.
Later, Sopheap Sun, born to his mother, Vanna Sun, in a concentration camp in Cambodia, shared his family’s journey while encountering tremendous obstacles but continuing to walk like Jesus. “When we become Chris -
tians, God doesn’t tell us that we will have trouble-free lives, but He does tell us that He will walk with us and bless us,” Sun said.
Now a soldier of the Hagerstown, Maryland corps, Sun’s impactful testimony moved all present. “I’m here with you because of God’s grace and God’s love,” he said. “I survived when millions of people died. God’s plan in my life did not end in Cambodia. My story is still being written, and I continue to walk with Jesus.”
Cadet Jason Houser then shared his testimony of healing and redemption. Houser, who was commissioned the next day as a member of the Defenders of Justice session, spoke on what he described as a “profound journey” of walking like Jesus. “In essence, walking with Jesus is a transformative journey,” he said. “A daily choice to follow Him, learn from Him, and experience His love and grace.”
Following a recognition of both long-serving and retiring officers, Commissioners Igleheart prayed over three officer couples – Majors Tom
and Julie Ann Louden, Majors Mark and Jan Harwell, and Captains Trey and Sheri Jones –who will soon begin serving outside the USA Southern Territory.
The centerpiece of the session was a panel interview conducted by Major Anne Westmoreland and Casey Bilbrey, director of operations for Camp Hoblitzelle in the Texas Division. Bilbrey helped to make the fruitful connection between
The Salvation Army and “The Chosen” and continues to serve as a liaison between the two organizations. The panel included Chris Juen and Chad Gundersen, co-executive producers, as well as a pair of actors, Lara Silva (“Eden” in the series) and Jordan Walker Ross (“Little James”).
The panelists recounted the organic creation of the alliance between “The Chosen” and The Salvation Army, stemming from the use of Camp Hoblitzelle for filming and growing into a continued, mutually beneficial partnership. “Without Camp Hoblitzelle and The Salvation Army, ‘The Chosen’ would not be what it is today,” Gundersen said.
the delegates, providing music, sharing Bible stories, and leading small groups, crafts, games, and snacks.
“We knew that we would only have a limited amount of time with [the children] but really wanting to pour into them and teach them a little bit more about Jesus,” was the youth department’s goal for the weekend, Melissa shares. Discipling them and equipping them to be “party starters” in their own homes and communities was key.
The weekend had a strong beginning, the party starting Friday night with a Bible story and a professional magician, Melissa’s personal highlight from the event. “Just seeing so many kids squeal and giggle with laughter; they laughed which made us laugh. We were just getting tickled watching all of them… The joy that was coming off of them, that’s what got me.”
Saturday morning looked more like a typical day of VBS, rotating through Bible story and activity stations, before taking a break to join their families for the Family Feast lunch. While the adult delegates participated in Life Groups the children had their own impactful small group time. Another highlight of their weekend was singing “Trust and Obey” with trans -
discussion was perhaps the most poignant exchange of the evening, one that left a lasting impression. Jordan Walker Ross shared a powerful testimony, showing a series of clips, both from “The Chosen” and from personal home videos.
Ross spoke of the challenges of navigating a physical limp in previous acting jobs and the difficulty of securing work as a result. He referred to that physical challenge as a “huge insecurity” and said he was “given a gift and passion for acting but also given a curse” that could keep him from realizing his full potential as an actor. In addition, Ross indicated Little James was not originally a character with a physical disability. But that all changed in season two.
Juen noted that “the purpose of this whole project is to point people back to their Bibles,” illustrating the clear focus on growing the Kingdom of God.
Within the panel
“I saw the feedback and the response from people in the disabled community… People saying how seen they felt,” he said. “People that had been told they weren’t praying hard enough. That they were broken. And I related to that so much. It meant so much to me to be able to portray that in a way that made those people feel seen and feel like they belong.”
Ross’s words and testimony resonated in a profound way. Prompted to offer advice to the soon to be commissioned Defenders of Justice, he shared the message that “whatever your limp is, you can use that to inspire others.” Those words applied well beyond the 12-member session, encouraging all to walk like Jesus.
Mission in the adult meeting on Saturday evening before heading back into additional activity and learning rotations.
Sunday morning brought a few more small group activities before all the delegates came together for a “Junior Commissioning” service. With a similar feel to a graduation ceremony, the kids walked up one by one and were asked by Majors Matt and Jamie Satterlee, territorial youth secretaries, if they would be a party starter in their own community. After they replied, they received a high five or fist bump and were given a devotional book.
Before returning home they were also given two confetti poppers. “You get to keep one because Jesus is a great reason to have a party. They got their own little confetti popper, but then they got one that they could share with a friend or with someone when they got home,” Melissa shares. “That’s the whole point of it, right? Trying to encourage them to go home and share it with somebody else.”
Melissa expresses that the youth department is grateful that people trusted them with their children, and that they can’t wait to hear how the delegates “Start the Party” in their own communities.
“Youth Conference...” continued from page 1
Photo Credits: G-Lab
Photos by Commissioning Communications Team: Laura Dake, Alli Hogue, Kaitlyn Avery, Ed Escobar, Noah Dake
for them,” Cadet Gutierrez shared. “But no matter if our people make progress or not, we continue to serve them all the same.”
As Cadet Criselda DeLeon powerfully declaimed her covenant, each member of the Defenders of Justice approached the Mercy Seat, solemnly laying their signed covenants upon the altar. The group then recited the doctrines together as one.
Colonel Sedlar then addressed the group asking, “Do you promise by Christian example, holy living, boundless charity and adherence to the principles and disciplines of our movement to show yourselves faithful officers of The Salvation Army?” When the 12 replied in unison saying, “We do,” Colonel Sedlar declared them ready to be ordained as pastors and commissioned into active ministry as officers.
One by one (or by couple), the cadets entered and knelt at the altar. In this position of surrender, they received their ordination and commissioning from Commissioners Kelly and Donna Igleheart, territorial leaders, followed by a scripture of blessing.
Colonel Janice Riefer, personnel secretary, then prayed over the new lieutenants saying, “Lord, I’m reminded of the amazing things that you accomplished with 12 people. Father, here are our 12. We dedicate them to you. We lay
them before you asking that you would bless them.”
As the newly commissioned lieutenants left the stage to receive their new officers’ trim, an offering was collected to help pay for the commissioning of officers in the territory of Angola.
With great fanfare, selected session flags from 1950 to 2023 were then paraded through the sanctuary, honoring the legacy and rich heritage of the officers of the Southern Territory. Then, accompanied by thunderous applause, the newest commissioned lieutenants of The Salvation Army, the Defenders of Justice, were welcomed back to the stage.
After a blessing from Commissioner Donna, representing the officers of the Southern Territory, and René Jarvis, representing the soldiers, Lt. Susan Garland rose to speak on behalf of the Defenders of Justice session. Emphasizing the importance of listening to the Holy Spirit for guidance, she quoted Isaiah 30:21, “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you say, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’”
She encouraged her session to think of those who have journeyed with them to this point and those they will walk alongside in their new appointments. “We can lead by example and bring others along with us… we will need to be in tune with the Holy Spirit and need to listen to the voice behind us that says, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’”
The newly commissioned lieutenants then sang a song together with the EBC officers and the SSS, confirming their calling with the words, “Covenanted in your love, we are called to serve as one.” Commissioner Kelly then addressed the new officers saying, “When you walk out those doors later today, we want that imagery to remain in your heart, because we are one. One Salvation Army. One mad group of people who love Jesus with all their hearts.”
Commissioner Kelly went on to speak of the cost behind the gift of salvation. “We cannot ignore the message of Christ’s suffering… to be a true disciple of Christ is free, but it comes with a cost.” Christ suffered and now invites us to share in His suffering. “It’s in the suffering that you really learn the beauty of Christ.”
“The Bible says that we are to follow Him intently,” he continued. We are called to reflect the example of Christ to the world, and we need to be disciples who are making disciples.
Commissioner Kelly then invited all in attendance to seek the Lord in prayer. “There’s freedom in following Christ. Our prayer today is that all of us here know freedom. It was a free gift – free to you, free to me – but it also comes with a price. He paid an ultimate price. Let’s not squander that.” The entire front half of the chapel was transformed into an altar as families and loved ones joined the new lieutenants to bless and consecrate them on the first step of their new journey.
After a beautiful time of prayer and worship led by transMission, Captain Jervonne Hinton, candidate’s secretary, called to the stage the approved candidates entering training in the Fall of 2024 as the Keepers of the Covenant session of cadets. Many more joined them as Captain Hinton encouraged those present to be faithful to whatever God’s call is upon their lives.
Lt. Colonel Mark Israel, program secretary, concluded the weekend of worship and celebration saying, “It’s been an incredible weekend. We would love to stay, but we can’t because the gospel says we’re to go into the world. We come together only to prepare ourselves to go into the world.”
“And now, it is with great excitement we send our newly commissioned lieutenants to their first appointments,” Lt. Colonel Israel announced. Underscored by the SSB’s rousing rendition of “I’ll Stand for Christ,” the new lieutenants were received by their divisional leaders. They followed their new divisional flags out of the sanctuary, taking the first steps on the next part of the journey of their walk with Jesus.
“Defenders...” continued from page 1
Photos courtesy of Commissioning Communications Team
Get Moving Refreshing Rereading
BY KRISTIN MUDGE
Like most people, I sometimes fall out of the habit of reading my Bible every day. It tends to be when I’m feeling most worn down, physically and emotionally, that I realize how long it’s been since I opened the Good Book. At that point I’ll either search for something specific or I’ll pick up where I left off last time.
I love reading through the Bible; I’ve probably done so four or five times now. Every time I do, I pick a different translation to read. I do this for several reasons. If I just read the New International Version (NIV) then every time I hit a verse I learned in Sunday school or vacation Bible school as a kid, my eyes will glide over the text while my brain recites it by rote. I don’t absorb any information that way. If I read it in even a slightly different voice, my brain won’t have the opportunity to shift into autopilot, and I’ll actually read what it says.
I also love changing up the translation because it helps me hear the scriptures in a fresh way. Suddenly a passage I’ve heard hundreds of times means something completely different or has an underlying tone that I never noticed before. For example, this time through the New Testament I read the New Living Translation (NLT). I’ve always considered the gospel of John to be a little more poetic and enjoyable than the
other gospels, but this time around felt entirely different. I heard Jesus’s frustration with the religious leaders at every turn, getting more and more impatient with every run-in. And the religious leaders simply sounded nervous, grasping at processes and logic in their decision-making rather than being the belligerent nay-sayers I typically hear about in sermons. It was an entirely new and surprising look into the minds of all those actually living the story.
Keeping the Word fresh is invigorating for my spiritual life. Every time I read through, I find God showing me something new. The first time I learned of the breadth and consistency of God’s character. The next time through I was fascinated by the history of Kings and Chronicles. The third time through I found so many specific stories impacting my heart. This time through I was surprised to notice the distinct voices of the writers, seeing events through their particular lenses and experiences.
God has given us such an incredible gift in making His Word so accessible to us. For many languages, we not only have easy access to the Bible, we have a plethora of translations to experience, allowing us to continually read with fresh eyes if we but have willing hearts.
I’ve just started back in Genesis, and I look forward to the discoveries God has in store for me this time through the most amazing collection of Spirit-breathed history, poetry, allegory, and correspondence humankind will ever have the honor to delve into.
A column exploring how the principles, practices and culture of our military services might apply to The Salvation Army
A Few Good Men (And Women)
BY DR. STEVE KELLNER
The oldest slogan associated with the U.S. Marine Corps is “A Few Good Men.” This dates back to a newspaper advertisement published in Boston on March 20, 1779, by Captain William Jones, asking for “a few good men” to enlist for Revolutionary War service as Marines. The Marine Corps was not quite four years old then, but its reputation as an elite fighting force was already evident in the implication that just a few Marines would be enough to win the war. The Marine Corps still uses the slogan nearly 250 years later, and it was famously used as the title of a 1992 movie starring Jack Nicholson and Tom Cruise.
This slogan came to mind recently when I had the pleasure of hearing Dr. Stephen Mansfield speak at the commencement of the newly commissioned Defenders of Justice session of officers. Dr. Mansfield, a Church historian, recalled how the early Christians, though few in number, significantly impacted Roman culture and society through their radical commitment to serving others, believers and non-believers alike, despite official persecution from a cruel and corrupt Roman government. But even the Roman government recognized the positive impact of these early Christians and eventually came to support their efforts. Not surprisingly, the early Church’s service to others attracted many to Jesus, and the church grew by leaps
and bounds in its first few centuries, though it was never more than a tiny percentage of the total population of the Roman Empire.
Of course, this idea of using only “a few good men” to do the fighting goes all the way back to the Old Testament when God insisted that Gideon reduce the 32,000-man Israelite Army to just 300 before going to battle. God did this so that He would receive the glory when the battle was won, thus strengthening the faith of the Israelites and attracting unbelievers among all the nations to Him.
We Salvationists are also few in number, and it can be discouraging to compare our little Army to the gargantuan task of spreading the gospel and meeting human needs both in our communities and worldwide. But we’ve never been anything but a tiny minority at any time in our history. Anything that we have or will accomplish as an Army brings glory to God because it is obvious that it didn’t happen on account of our strength or skill, but only by Him working through us.
The Defenders of Justice session of new officers numbered only twelve this year, and many of our corps are not much larger than that. But the Lord doesn’t need big numbers to accomplish His will; in fact, He actually prefers a small fighting force so that our faith will be strengthened and His love and power seen by the world. As Dr. Mansfield pointed out, Jesus changed the world and history forever with only twelve disciples. All He needs is a few good men and women with a radical commitment to service –like us.
BY LT. COLONEL ALLEN SATTERLEE
Hollywood could hardly create a more dramatic moment.
The Egyptians were on the verge of a murderous rampage, determined to drive the Children of Israel back into slavery after their brief escape. First, they would shed some blood to avenge the dead children from Passover night. Then they would round up the survivors, punish them, humiliate them, and remind them that they were and always would be an inferior people.
With the Red Sea before them and Pharaoh’s chariots behind driving them ever closer to the shore, the Jewish people had the same vision of their destruction the Egyptians had. Forgetting all the miracles that had wrested them from their former bondage, their songs of deliverance had grown silent. Was this how it was all going to end?
They turned in desperation to Moses, not to seek answers but to assign blame. “Because there were no graves in Egypt, have you taken us away to die in the wilderness? Why have you so dealt with us, to bring us up out of Egypt? Is this not the word that we told you in Egypt, saying, ‘Let us alone that we may serve the Egyptians?’ For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than that we should die in the wilderness” (Exodus 14:11-12). We are told they cried out to the Lord, no doubt with a mixture of blaming Him and asking Him to deliver them. Moses’ faith was unshaken. “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace” (Exodus 14:13-14). Although the Bible doesn’t say so, it seems Moses wanted to linger a little longer to pray about it. But God would have none of it. The next thing we read is, “The Lord said to Moses, ‘Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward’” (v 15).
There are times when we need to wait on the Lord, to hold our place until He makes His will known. There are other times when we need to move forward. When He has made it clear what the way is, what needs to be done, and how it is to happen, then waiting is not so much a sign of faith as it is a sign of our lack of faith in His provision. For Moses and the Children of Israel, there came a moment when they had to actually step into the Red Sea for things to happen. Had they lingered, the chariots of Egypt would have decided their fate.
If God has shown you what His will is, your delay to obey, as piously as you might frame it, is not an act of faith. It is disobedience. There is a time to stop waiting in prayer and go forward. The sea will not part until you put your foot into the water. Get moving.
General Cox (R) Supports Leesburg, FL World Services Weekend
BY CHRIS PRIEST
Considerable planning, lots of prayer, and a great deal of excitement surrounded the long-anticipated arrival of General André Cox (R) and Commissioner Silvia Cox as special leaders for the Leesburg (Florida) Corps World Services Weekend. The 20th elected international leaders of The Salvation Army were heavily engaged over a four-day period in every aspect of The Salvation Army’s presence and outreach in Lake and Sumter Counties. Lt. Colonels Kent and Melody Davis, Florida divisional leaders, provided their gracious support to the weekend of celebration and community outreach.
The weekend began with an ecumenical event on Thursday in The Villages, a significant area of accountability for the corps, recognized as the fastest-growing senior community in the nation. In front of a congregation of senior citizens, the General engaged in lively discussion with Pastor James Armstrong, newly installed lead pastor of Live Oaks Community Church in The Villages. Pastor Armstrong thoughtfully posed questions to General Cox about the beginnings of the Army and delved into his own personal faith journey. The Live Oaks praise & worship team even led a spirited rendition of William Booth’s “Send the Fire.” Following a benediction by Commissioner Silvia Cox, the crowd generously donated toward the Leesburg Corps’ World Services goal.
Civic leaders, dignitaries, community partners, donors, and volunteers gathered midday Friday for the corps’ first Civic Luncheon. Highlights included the sharing of an Impact Report, a speech from Advisory Board Chair Margarite McCartney, and a global glimpse of The Salvation Army across the world from General Cox. The theme of the event was Love in Action, and an appeal to finance programs for children and teens resulted in donations and pledges to send several community youths to camp this year.
Over 150 gathered on Saturday evening in the corps gymnasium for an International Celebration supper. All proceeds from tickets sold went toward the corps’ World Services goal. Approximately 75% of those in attendance were
new to the Army, thanks to corps people inviting neighbors and friends, including The Villages Friends of The Salvation Army. Members of the corps cooked an Italian meal, while local ethnic restaurants donated a “taste” of their country’s food. A surprise item for General and Commissioner Cox, who have retired to Switzerland, was a proficient Swiss Alphorn player. General and Commissioner Cox took everyone on a roundthe-world visit to the five main Salvation Army Zones with an emphasis on the unusual and significant, highlighting how God is using The Salvation Army to reach people with the gospel. Lt. Colonel Eddie Hobgood’s performance of the “Sanctified Salvationist – Joe the Turk” concluded the evening with much spectacle and flare. The audience was captivated by the enthusiasm and extraordinary flamboyance of this largerthan-life character who found the Lord during a Salvation Army open-air service in the early days of the Army in the United States.
The culmination of this “mini congress” weekend was the Pentecost Sunday morning service at the Leesburg Corps. General Cox preached from Isaiah 52:7-10, urging the congregation not to dwell on church attendance alone, but to share the gospel with all, allowing the Holy Spirit to work through them in everyday life. During the service, the General enrolled six junior soldiers, five adherents, and 14 senior soldiers, all as members of the Leesburg Corps and nearby Bushnell Service Center. The annual World Services Ingathering was held, supported by the music of the corps’ community choir and band, the latter premiering a new march written by Christopher Priest to commemorate the weekend: “Leesburg 24.”
St. Hagop Armenian Church Pinellas
Salvation Army Family Store, San Antonio, TX
Camp Keystone Holiness Center Starke, FL
Camp Keystone Dining Hall, Starke, FL
Camp Keystone Cabins, Starke, FL
Florida Suncoast ARC Chapel St. Petersburg, FL
Camp Keystone Multipurpose, Starke, FL
Photo Courtesy of Chris Priest
PROMOTED TO
Major Audrey Mills
Major Audrey Mills was Promoted to Glory on May 13, 2024, from her home in New Bern, NC, at the age of 101.
Audrey Lee Simpson was born on March 27, 1923, to Alfred and Bethane Simpson. As a young child, she attended Sunday School at the New Bern Temple Baptist Church in the morning and The Salvation Army in the afternoon. When the Army moved their Sunday School to mornings, her mother said she had to choose between the two and be faithful to that one. Thank God, she chose The Salvation Army! It was at the New Bern Corps that she was converted and later heard God’s call to Salvation Army officership.
She graduated in 1940 from New Bern High School and that Fall entered the Training College as a member of the Steadfast session of cadets. She was commissioned in the Spring of 1941 and appointed to assist in Goldsboro, NC.
On April 14, 1942, Lieutenant Audrey married Captain Graham Mills. Together, Captains Graham and Audrey Mills served as corps offi -
cers in Henderson, NC; Gaffney, SC; and Fayetteville, Gastonia, Hickory, Rocky Mount, Raleigh, and Winston-Salem, NC. Their last appointment as active officers was Utica, NY.
In 1981, they retired to New Bern. Audrey and Graham had been married almost 65 years when he was Promoted to Glory on February 4, 2007. In her retirement, Major Audrey was a Sunday School teacher, Sunbeam leader, songster, bandsman, and occasionally, a preacher!
Throughout her life, she was a faithful soldier, powerful prayer warrior, and always sought to encourage people to know Jesus and grow in their walk with Him. Even many years after retiring, she still had a hunger to learn more about God’s Word and to draw closer to the Savior she followed.
Major Audrey Mills is survived by her three children, Robert Mills, Major Virginia (Richard) Watts, and Major Linda (Doug) Jones—along with ten wonderful grandchildren and 22 outstanding great-grandchildren.
PROMOTED TO GLORY
Major Bertha Worthy
Major Bertha Worthy was Promoted to Glory from her home in Charlotte, NC on Thursday, May 16, 2024. She was 86.
Bertha Edna Dacres was born on May 13, 1938, in Fayston, VT, to Edward and Mary Dacres. She was the fourth of six children.
At age three, the course of Bertha’s life changed forever when Adjutant Edward Russell knocked on the family’s door, offering to drive all six children to the Burlington Corps for Sunday School and Holiness Meeting. Every Sunday, the adjutant picked the
Dacres children up until Edward and Mary began attending the corps. Bertha was saved at age six during a youth meeting. She remembered going forward to the altar and knowing that the Lord Jesus is real, that He would be the leader of her life, and that she would “have a friend forever” in Him. At age 15, while at a youth councils in Portland, ME, Bertha was called to become a Salvation Army officer.
In 1951, Captains Elmer and Lillian Worthy became Bertha’s corps officers, bringing with them their children—one of whom was their son, James (Jim) Worthy. Jim and Bertha continued their friendship even after his parents were later moved to Pittsburgh. They began dating in their 20s and were married on October 19, 1963.
For ten years, the couple worked (Jim as a reporter, Bertha as a nurse) and began raising their two children. Meanwhile, Bertha quietly believed that God had not revoked her call to officership and prayed that Jim would one day hear that call. Finally in June 1973, her prayers were answered when God powerfully called Jim to a lifetime of service. They entered the Training College in 1974 as members of the Overcomers session of cadets.
They were commissioned as lieutenants on June 6, 1976, and were sent to Staunton, VA. In 1980, they were transferred to Roanoke, VA, where they
served for five years. The Captains Worthy were then asked for overseas service as divisional leaders for Trinidad and Tobago.
Upon returning Stateside, they were appointed to Charleston, SC—the first of three critical posts that would see major disaster responses. In the wake of Hurricane Hugo, the captains led innovative relief efforts. They also pioneered new forms of collaboration between The Salvation Army and local, state, and federal agencies.
When Hurricane Andrew struck Homestead, FL, they were sent to oversee the Army’s relief program from 1992-1994. On the move again, this time to Nashville, TN, the Worthys met the challenge of disaster response due to a devastating tornado—causing Major Jim’s unique humor to come through by remarking, “From now on, I’m going to watch the weather channel for my next appointment!”
Over their six years in Nashville, they built a new Citadel Corps building, opened the Laotian Corps, re-opened the Magness-Potter Community Center, and improved the area command’s finances with the sale of property to the Tennessee Titans.
In 2000, they were sent to the North & South Carolina Division as divisional evangelists and adult ministries secretaries. Major Bertha became divisional director of family services in 2003.
Majors Jim and Bertha Worthy retired from active officership on January 20, 2007. Just two years later, Major Jim was Promoted to Glory on November 28, 2009.
Despite the absence of her soulmate, Bertha became even more involved in her weekly routines, hosting game nights and holiday parties for women in her neighborhood. Her friends often joined her in charitable efforts like crocheting hats for the homeless or buying gifts for Angel Tree.
Everyone who knew her could always count on her wise counsel, scripture reading, and intercessory prayer. Members of her Salvation Army family could always depend on her for a place to stay and enjoy her warm hospitality.
Major Bertha Worthy is preceded in death by her parents; three siblings (Evelyn Bordeau, Edward Dacres, Thomas Dacres); and her beloved husband of 46 years, Major Jim Worthy. She is survived by her two children, Major David (Dawn) Worthy and Major Julie Anne (Thomas) Louden; and seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Commencement 2024 Honors Academic Achievements
BY BRAD ROWLAND
The Defenders of Justice session of cadets was at the center of Commissioning 2024, and on the morning of Friday, May 31, the 12-member session was honored for their academic achievements. The Commencement service was held at Atlanta Temple Corps, kickstarting a busy and rewarding weekend for the new lieutenants and all those in attendance.
“We are here to ratify, to recognize, and to reward the hard work of our Defenders of Justice session of cadets,” said Colonel Deborah Sedlar, chief secretary, at the start of the Commencement. “They’ve worked hard during their time at Evangeline Booth College (EBC). They’ve met all of the requirements in completion of their training program, and now, it’s time to celebrate with these beloved cadets and cheer them on for what is to come.”
After the cadets marched in to the backdrop of “Celebration (Keep the Old Flag Flying)” from the Southern Staff Band, Major Anthony Juliana, president and principal of the EBC, struck a chord in praise of the session.
“What I have noticed particularly about the Defenders of Justice is that they are ready to seize opportunities,” Major Juliana said. “They are ready to demand more and better from their communities and to give back in return. They are a group of creative, dynamic, service-minded people who will undoubtedly have a profound impact on our world. They approach life and scholarship with a good attitude.”
In addition to the presentation of diplomas and degrees for the Defenders of Justice, officers from around the USA Southern Territory were honored for degrees earned in the past year. This presentation was followed by the singing of “Soldier’s Hymn,” led by transMission, the Southern Staff Band, and Southern Staff Songsters, urging us “Onward to the conquest, north to south and east to west. Forward to the glorious fight of love.”
Though several session awards were distributed at a banquet earlier in the week on the EBC campus, the two highest awards were bestowed during the Commencement. Cadet Michael Gutierrez earned the Principal’s Award, with Cadet Antione Terrell earning the Commissioners’ Award. The latter is considered the highest honor for a cadet, and, as noted during the ceremony by Major Anita Caldwell, EBC director of curriculum, the recipient “must exemplify the high ideal of Salvationism, exert a positive influence on the EBC campus, demonstrate effective leadership, be committed to the Salvationist mission, manifest maturity and self-discipline, work well with other people, and be in good academic standing.”
Cadet Terrell also served as the session speaker for the Commencement, delivering an impassioned message and noting his belief that “a small group of broken, submissive, humble, selfless people can change the world.”
“In the bigger narrative that is the story of
our salvation, someone intervened,” Cadet Terrell said. “God, help us to advocate for those in our communities who do not meet the standard. Because we know a God. We know a fount. We know a place where sins are washed away, and how dare we not fight for other people to know that, too.”
Cadet Terrell also harkened back to the welcome of the Defenders of Justice two years prior, noting that the session recited a version of William Booth’s famous “I’ll Fight” address and that there is still work to be done.
“What we know is that there are still women weeping,” he said. “There are still children hungry. There are still men in and out of prison. There are still the lost. There are still people in this world that are relegated to the darkened margins of society. What we want you to know is that those people deserve to know the love and graciousness of God, too. And we know. We know. We are sure that those people are worth fighting for.”
Prior to the Commencement address from New York Times best-selling author and Church historian Stephen Mansfield, a choir made up of the cadets, EBC staff officers, and EBC employees sang “Psalm 34.” This collaborative musical ministry was a source of great joy and fellowship, and the earnest offering was a blessing for all to hear.
Mansfield, who has an extensive leadership development background, praised The Salvation Army for its ministry, saying plainly “I love who you are.” He also noted that “history is not ruled by the powerful majority. History is ruled by the anointed minority. This is how God works.”
Mansfield went on to inspire and speak of a new vision of justice brought forth by believers in Jesus Christ.
“It was rooted in compassion,” he said. “It was rooted in understanding of who human beings are, but it also called people to understand
that God had revealed His ways in the world, and that life would not be fulfilling and successful until we aligned with His ways.”
Finally, Mansfield left attendees with a challenge, focusing on the prospect of what the Kingdom can do even amid a challenging time in our world.
“Don’t think of your times as fearful,” said Mansfield. “Don’t think of your times as hardened and resistant to the gospel. Don’t think of your times as some abomination or that you wish you had been born in another century. Think of it as pregnant with possibilities for the Kingdom of Jesus.”
Photos from Commissioning Communications Team